In the seventh episode of *Hollywood Hustle*, we tackle two pressing questions: Should Bob Iger retire from the Walt Disney Company, and why hasn’t Disney reached trillion-dollar status?

As we explore Disney's current standing, it becomes clear that despite being a beloved entertainment giant, the company has failed to join the ranks of other trillion-dollar corporations like Apple and Amazon, with a market cap around $187 billion as of late 2025. Bob Iger, who returned to the CEO position in late 2022 after a brief hiatus, has seen disappointing stock performance during his second tenure, raising doubts about his leadership effectiveness.

Here are the key points we discuss:

- **Financial Performance**: Disney's recent financial results reveal stagnation, with nearly flat revenue of $22.46 billion and a 5% drop in operating income. Shareholder returns are lagging behind the S&P 500, which has risen significantly since Iger's return.

- **Strategic Challenges**: Iger’s legacy includes bold acquisitions that expanded Disney’s portfolio, but his current leadership has been marked by indecision and an inability to adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape. The transition from traditional media to streaming is proving more complex than anticipated.

- **The Competitive Landscape**: Disney faces fierce competition from established players like Netflix and new entrants like YouTube. Its streaming strategy lacks clarity, and the company's efforts to maintain its traditional media businesses are causing internal conflicts.

- **Need for New Leadership**: For Disney to thrive and potentially reach a trillion-dollar valuation, a shift in leadership is essential. The next CEO should have a digital-first mindset, be willing to make hard strategic choices, and possess an innovative approach to storytelling and audience engagement.

As we navigate these questions, we ponder the future of Disney and the necessary changes for the company to reclaim its position as a leader in entertainment. What do you think is the most crucial step Disney should take to revitalize its brand while addressing these pressing challenges?